About Us
The Colton Consortium is a global research network dedicated to transforming our understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases through integrated discovery. Learn how we're building a new model for collaborative science.
The Colton Consortium unites world-class researchers and clinicians across institutions to identify shared mechanisms in autoimmune disease, accelerate discovery, and translate insights into clinical tools that prevent, treat, and cure autoimmunity.
The mission of the Colton Consortium is to apply bold, collaborative, translational science to advance our mechanistic understanding of human autoimmunity. By engaging the most innovative scientists and physicians, we are committed to transforming discovery science, personalizing existing and novel therapies, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to better treat, cure, and prevent autoimmunity while improving patients’ health.
A new model for autoimmunity research
Rather than studying autoimmune diseases in isolation, the Colton Consortium organizes research around four interconnected pillars—each addressing a critical scientific challenge. Together, they align expertise and resources so discoveries inform approaches across the network.
- From mechanistic insight to translation — Building partnerships and pathways that connect foundational discoveries to clinical tools
- Shared mechanisms across autoimmune diseases — Identifying convergent biology that cuts across conditions to transform how the field approaches treatment
- Integrated data and AI-driven discovery — Creating cross-institutional infrastructure and computational approaches that no single center could generate alone
- Scientific leadership through structure — Designing coordinated grantmaking, multi-site investigations, and collaborative frameworks that enable breakthrough science at scale
Built by vision and conviction
Philanthropists Judith and Stewart Colton established the first Colton Center for Autoimmunity at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in 2014, driven by a conviction that autoimmune research needed a new model. Their vision expanded to the establishment of Colton Centers at Yale University (2019), University of Pennsylvania (2021), Tel Aviv University (2022), and Mount Sinai (2026)—uniting five leading institutions into a collaborative network with an exclusive focus on autoimmunity. Sustained by the Coltons' ongoing commitment, the Colton Consortium continues to expand its research capacity and impact.
Leading researchers, unified mission
The Colton Consortium unites immunologists, clinicians, and translational partners across five leading academic institutions. Our network creates conditions for breakthrough science by bringing together distinct institutional strengths and expertise, enabling researchers to collaborate across boundaries in ways that advance the entire field. This coordinated structure—anchored by shared research priorities, integrated data platforms, and collaborative funding—multiplies the impact of individual discoveries and accelerates progress toward new therapies.
Connect with the Colton Consortium
The Colton Consortium engages researchers, clinicians, donors, media, and institutional partners committed to advancing autoimmune science. Explore how you can be part of our mission.
Media
Access news, research announcements, expert perspectives, and resources on the Colton Consortium’s work in autoimmune science.
Partners
Collaborate with leading researchers on initiatives that advance autoimmune science. Explore partnership opportunities in research, clinical translation, and infrastructure development.
Donors
Support cross-institutional autoimmune research and help accelerate discoveries toward meaningful patient benefit.